It’s been a notable period for UK motorhome news, with councils and manufacturers alike making headlines. In Scotland, Moray Council has approved a new pilot scheme that could shape the future of designated overnight parking for campervans and motorhomes.

Meanwhile, in the world of vehicle design, the Auto-Sleeper Burford has earned praise for offering an impressive, hotel-style bathroom in a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know from across the sector …

Moray Council approves 12-month pilot for overnight campervan stays in Burghead

Moray Council has given the green light to a year-long pilot scheme that will allow campervans and motorhomes to stay overnight at the Station Road car park in Burghead.

The move follows a major public consultation earlier this year, which drew more than 2,200 responses from residents, visitors and local businesses. A strong majority backed the idea of designated overnight parking areas for touring vehicles – with 74% of Moray residents and an overwhelming 95% of non-Moray respondents supporting the proposal.

Most respondents also agreed that a small charge was appropriate, with £7 per night viewed as a fair contribution. The suggested overnight window of 6pm to 10am was considered suitable by more than two-thirds of those who took part.

Pilot to run for the 2026 season

The scheme will operate throughout the 2026 season and is designed to:

• provide a safe, clearly designated space for visiting motorhome and campervan users
  • offer a managed alternative to informal roadside parking
  • support local tourism and spending in Burghead
  • test how well a voluntary payment model works in practice
  • gather real-world data and feedback from both visitors and the community

Rules for the overnight parking area

To keep the trial simple and easy to manage, a number of conditions will apply:

• Overnight parking only between 6pm and 10am
  • Self-contained vehicles only
  • Maximum stay of one night
  • No waste disposal or outdoor equipment such as chairs or awnings
  • Voluntary £7 fee paid through Moray Council’s existing parking app

There will be no new facilities added to the site as part of the scheme.

No additional cost to the council

The pilot will be funded through existing council budgets, with any voluntary income helping to cover signage, maintenance and minor operational costs.

Once the 12-month trial ends, the council will review all feedback, including visitor numbers, income levels, complaints, compliments and community comments. A decision will then be made on whether to continue, modify or expand designated overnight parking to other suitable locations across Moray.

Auto-Sleeper Burford wins praise for hotel-style bathroom in latest motorhome rankings

The Auto-Sleeper Burford has been highlighted in a recent review of some the UK’s best motorhome bathrooms, with reviewers highlighting its unexpectedly “hotel-like” design and premium finish.

Auto Trader’s round-up of top motorhome washrooms placed the Burford firmly among the standout models of the year, thanks in large part to its high-end, domestic-style bathroom – a feature increasingly becoming a priority for buyers investing in mid-to-premium level motorhomes.

Bathroom becomes a major selling point

Motorhome bathrooms have undergone a design revolution in recent years, accelerated by the pandemic era when private onboard facilities became essential for many travellers. Manufacturers have responded with larger spaces, better materials and more thoughtful layouts – and according to reviewers, Auto-Sleepers has raised the bar.

The Burford’s bathroom has been singled out as a major selling point within the four-berth luxury model. Located to the rear of the van, the washroom delivers the sort of comfort people normally expect in a boutique hotel, not a touring vehicle says the review.

Built for comfort on and off the road

The Burford sits on a Mercedes chassis and offers a fixed rear French bed with a memory foam mattress, plus the option to convert the front lounge into a second double.

As motorhome buyers increasingly expect high-spec bathrooms for longer touring, the Burford’s domestic feel and clever use of space position it as one of the strongest options in the segment.